Steve Ellis, Taxpayers for Common Sense Ellis and colleague Keith Ashdown do not waste any time in pointing out wasteful spending and loopholes in earmark reform, cementing their group’s national prominence.

Brad Gordon, American Israeli Public Affairs Committee AIPAC’s strength was reflected at its recent annual meeting, which was attended by congressional leaders from both parties as well as Vice President Cheney.

Robert Hartwig, Insurance Information Institute III’s president and chief economist has testified in numerous congressional hearings this year.

Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Born and raised in D.C., the voting rights activist is welcomed in many offices, including those held by Reps. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) and John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.).

Craig Holman, Public Citizen The go-to guy on campaign finance, Holman is working on lobbying and ethics proposals.

Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense Since 1984, Krupp has expanded his group’s operations and worked with big business to lessen pollution.

Tom McClusky, Family Research Council The FRC will be front and center in the fight against taxpayer-funded stem cell research and abortions. McClusky’s Hill lobby work intersects with Connie Mackey’s new advocacy role.

Cecilia Muñoz, National Council of La Raza As senior vice president, Muñoz leads La Raza’s lobbying efforts on immigration reform, a key issue for both parties given the growing Hispanic population. Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform The anti-tax king still holds sway in conservative circles despite his friendship with Jack Abramoff.

Bill Novelli, AARP The mammoth seniors’ group has become even more assertive in Washington and on the campaign trail under Novelli, who is a hands-on chief executive.Travis Plunkett, Consumer Federation of America Plunkett is a thorn in the side of the credit card industry, constantly criticizing aggressive lending policies for increasing consumer debt.

Ron Pollack, Families USA Pollack’s influence among Democrats on healthcare issues cannot be overstated.Bill Samuel, AFL-CIO Unions are coming in from the cold under the Democrats, and Samuel is regarded as organized labor’s top lobbyist.

Ray Scheppach, National Governers Association Getting 50 governors to agree on anything is no small feat but when that happens, Scheppach is their experienced hand in Washington.Melanie Sloan, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington The former assistant U.S. attorney has established CREW as a fierce watchdog.